Stephen Johnson Photography News
October 2021
Coastal Marsh in Fog near Pascadero 2021..
Upcoming Workshops and Prints:
November 17, 2021
Many Views: Twenty Print Set
a fine art boxed print set
Welcome to the October 2021 Edition of the Stephen Johnson Photography Newsletter.
I lost my nephew in September and have been reeling, in disbelief, in very slow acceptance, digging out old photos and making a memorial album. So many memories flood my mind that it has been hard to concentrate on much else. Eventually these realities become part of our known world, we resume our lives, but are often forever changed. The continued presence of the virus just adds to the feeling how precious life is. Be cautious. May the light that photography holds continue to enrich your lives.
— Steve
This month's View From Here column features recent photography, a tribute to my nephew Jeff, some small adventures, and big framed finished prints that are suddenly available. Our Virtual Classes are continuing to broaden with the Virtual Seminars offering the postponed Preservation, Scanning and Restoration on November 17, and the new Fine Art Photograph from Raw, to Photoshop, to Print October 30-31, 2021.
I am very proud to offer my new 20 print set Many Views: Twenty Photographs, emerging from these last 18 months of work during very challenging times.
I hope you find the column interesting and will consider sending me some comments. As these Newsletters can cover many subjects, let me know of topics you would like to see addressed.
Workshops are currently balanced between virtual classes and field workshops starting again late this year. All workshops currently scheduled are subject to necessary corona virus spread prevention logistics.
FEATURED PRINT October 2021
Arch and Clouds. Monument Valley, Arizona. 2014
From our Southwest Sojourn workshop in 2014
We're offering an 11x14 inch print of the photograph for $195, matted to 16x20 inch board. This print at this price is offered through October 31. We'll be taking orders until then, and shipping them out by November 15.
NEW PHOTOGRAPH
Sun Bathing Harbor Seals. Pt. Reyes National Seashore, CA 2021
Canon EOS R5
Intimacy and abstraction from the cliffs way above.
LATEST NEWS:
As anti-virus caution continue to tell us to avoid unnecessary exposure to others, masks and social distancing remain a good idea as the variants emerge. Our general gallery masked/distance appointment policies are now allowing some limited gallery visitation.
I continue to photograph, most every day, and work to stretch my comfort zones and subject matter, even when I’ve been mostly local during the pandemic.
Gallery Appointments
The Covid-19 restrictions and now cautions that have kept the gallery mostly closed, do allow me to open for special limited viewing appointments. Write to inquire or call 650 355-7507 about an appointment.
Blog Restarted and Growing: Subscribe
As I have mentioned in my last few Newsletters, I have renewed more frequent postings on my Blog derived from my Newsletters and Facebooks posts. You can view or subscribe at: https://sjohnsonphoto.wordpress.com
Virtual Classes
During the virus, I have naturally shifted most of my education programs to online experiences. This is frustrating and rewarding. The new virtual experiences are certainly stretching out my geographical reach. I am very pleased by our new Virtual Classes Program.
My 2021-2022 Workshop Schedule continues to evolve to accommodate the virus precautions and very limited ability to gather indoors.
Some plans are now being made on the assumption that the vaccine is ever more available and will then become a prerequisite for the class.
I remain committed to offering great courses whether in person or virtually. See what a great experience students have had on my Workshops by exploring Workshop Testimonials.
Stephen Johnson Photography Blog.
The 2021-2022 Workshop Schedule is evolving, continuing with the re-scheduled Preservation, Scanning and Restoration of Phtotographs November 17 and the Flora and Form October 22-23. I have now scheduled the first of my pandemic cautious field workshops, Highway One Coastal Journey in December, Death Valley in Winter and Yosemite in Winter for 2022.
See what a great experience students have had on Steve's Workshops by exploring Workshop Testimonials.
Other Worldly is up in our galleries having joined the 50 Years of Space Photography Exhibit with the Life Form Exhibition. Hopefully you can visit soon by appointment, socially distanced, masked and limited to two people. I hope to be able to open the galleries to general visitation in the not too distant future so you can see what is on display at Stephen Johnson Photography.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Hawk. Pacifica. CA. 2021.
THE VIEW FROM HERE
by Stephen Johnson
Looking for Life, Beauty and Hope
In life, we roll in joy and challenge. Photography can help hold and remind us of much of the joy, it can also be a sorrowful reminder of what once was.
I have built a professional life around my photography, and recorded a personal history along the way. This past month, I got reminded of how precious that personal history is after losing my nephew Jeff Johnson just past his 50th birthday.
When someone you love loses their life mid-life, it is not only surprising, it feels like all who loved them got cheated. Explanations, even as they come, have not supplanted that sense of loss far too soon.
As the second child of my six year older brother, I've loved Jeff since he was a baby, When you watch a baby grow into a boy, and that boy grow into a man, it becomes a lifelong bond of love. My photographs do not tell a story of Jeff’s life, but digging out views along the way have only made me love him more.
Me and Jeff from video. 1981.
Jeff Johnson. 1973.
Jeff had one of the kindest hearts I had ever encountered. He was a generous and loving man. It was one of the pleasures of my life to be his uncle, watch him grow, and see that good man he became.
Proud Papa Jeff and Caden. 1998.
More Fauna
Cooper’s Hawk. Pacifica Center for the Arts. 2021.
I couldn’t resist a few more or my small encounters with other creatures of this earth. I’d like to say they are my friends, but these experiences are only momentary witness and loving fascinations.
We share the planet. I wish we humans shared better. They have their own right to life, liberty and a habitable planet.
Scrub Jay
Another Ride Down the Coast
Balanced Rocks. Pebble Beach. 2021.
Every chance I get, I drive south down Highway One. It doesn’t take many miles before I’m feeling even more at home in the world. Bean Hollow State Beach’s Pebble Beach is probably my favorite place along the way, and it always gives me real pleasure to spend time there. Whether just smelling the sea, playing in the pebbles, or wandering the sandstone and granite rock sculpture fields, my heart beats good there.
This particular visit put many things in-balance.
Cairn. Pebble Beach. 2021.
Kelp and Pebbles. 2021.
Pt. Reyes Beach.. 2021.
An Afternoon at Pt. Reyes National Seashore
An errand up to Marin County turned into a hoped for short visit to Pt. Reyes. Although only there for a few hours, it was so good to see many of the reasons I love the place. We drove, walked a trail or two, and took in the views and wildlife.
The Tule Elk, deer, birds, seals and coyotes were all in evidence.
Tule Elk Buck (restored population). Pt. Reyes. 2021.
Heading back from the headlands, coming over a hill and around a curve, suddenly there were Elk and Cattle together, leisurely hanging out on a hillside. I had to stop, and as I struggled to find a view that hinted at the unusual combination, a coyote suddenly prances through as well. It was certainly one of those moments.
Running Coyote. Pt. Reyes. 2021.
Deer. Pt. Reyes. 2021..
Cow , Tule Elk and Calf. Pt. Reyes. 2021.
Many of the photographs I made were not exactly art, more document, which is always something I struggle with when I see a being so impressive. I’m not always artist, oftentimes just appreciative witness. I have to work at being ok with that.
Thank goodness for these parklands.
Looking Towards the Headlands. Chimney Rock Trail. Pt. Reyes. 2021.
Successive From in Morning Fog. Pacifica, CA.. 2021.
Late Summer Fog
We’ve had an unusual amount of fog for late summer here along the coast in Pacifica California. I‘ve missed many of the dramatic moments, but managed to catch a few nice sights.
Fog Layer on Pedro Point 2021.
My neighborhood. Pacifica, CA. 2001. DJI Phantom 4 Drone.
A Fourth Story Urban Walkway
Stairs. San Francisco Transit Center. Rooftop Garden. 2021
San Francisco’s new downtown Transit Center is bridged to the city’s tallest building, the Sales Force Tower.
Much like the High Line in New York City, an outdoor urban rooftop garden has been constructed offering examples and views into habitats across the globe.
Along the way, views into downtown San Francisco are an additional bonus of the walk.
Bus Depot. San Francisco Transit Center. Rooftop Garden. 2021
Dome and Palms. San Francisco Transit Center. Rooftop Garden. 2021
Urban View from San Francisco Transit Center. Rooftop Garden. 2021
Bridge. San Francisco Transit Center. Rooftop Garden. 2021
Art is Everywhere
Container Murals. Fort Mason. San Francisco. 2021.
My daughter flew in to help us remember and pay tribute to my nephew Jeff. One of the ways we celebrated just being together for the first time since the pandemic began, was to knock around San Francisco, like we used to do when she was growing up.
Our little sojourn around the city took us up to Fort Mason for lunch at Greens, and around to some downtown explorations.
Mural. San Francisco. 2021..
Sculpture. San Francisco. 2021..
Recently at Stephen Johnson Photography
Trees, Fitzgerald Reserve. 1994.
Framed Prints Available
A collector wants to downsize and is trading in a few very large framed prints for smaller versions. This means I suddenly have an inventory of a few very custom prints available for sale. The prints are all custom framed in beautiful solid maple with a sturdy back brace.
Trees, Fitzgerald Reserve. 1994. 40x50 inch pigment inkjet print in 53x62 inch maple frame. Original price $5900. Make offer.
Alluvial Sweep. Haleakala National Park. 1996. From With a New Eye: The Digital National Parks Project. 27x34 inch pigment inkjet print in 39x47 inch frame. Original price $4200. Make offer.
Drying Staghorn Fern. 2013. From the Life Form Project. 27x34 inch pigment inkjet print in 39x47 inch frame. Original price $4200. Make offer.
Alluvial Sweep. Haleakala National Park.. 1996
Drying Staghorn Fern. 2013. From the Life Form Project.
I am proud to offer for sale a boxed set of original pigment prints from 2020 through May of 2021. A view of my photographic endeavors and fascinations just before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Twenty 14 inch prints in boxed set. Signed and sleeved. $4500.
Virtual Educational Experiences
Steve in his Life Form Gallery. April 2021.
Virtual Classes and Lectures have now become a regular part of my workshop program. Critiques are now virtual. In fact, as you might imagine, most all teaching is virtual at the moment. To flush that out, here is a list of the virtual educational opportunities we are offering.
Virtual Classes and Lectures. A series of new online live classes on various topics with limited space and Q&A sessions.
Preservation, Scanning and Restoration Wednesday evening November 17. 2021. 6pm-7:30pm PST.
Flora and Form October 21-23, 2021. Thursday evening through Saturday.
Fine Art Photograph from Raw, to Photoshop to Print October 30-31, 2021. Saturday & Sunday. 9am to 5pm PST.
Photo Chats
I’ve been doing weekly virtual Photo Chats with groups of photo friends to keep everyone encouraged to keep working, share and problem solve. I’ve now built a webpage on the chats. Let me know if you would like to join us.
Come Visit the Exhibitions (masked visits by appointment)
Check out my 50 years of Space Photography Exhibition joining with my Life Form Exhibition as Other Worldly for a mind-blowing journey from the living world close-up to the depths of space.
Although the gallery is not open to regular visits with the corona virus regulations, limited visitation can be arranged by appointment.
Come see the shows when you can. Space and awesome life! A dive into cosmic extremes.
The 50 Years of Space Photography Gallery with the five extra Apollo 11 prints.
In front of the Apollo 14 Panoramic, 3rd. Graders from Ocean Shore School in Pacifica visiting the Space Exhibit. 2019. Photo by Sheila Gamble.
Class Visits
Post-virus, when school is back in classroom, we will again welcome teachers bringing their classes by, kids and college students. The kid’s reactions have been inspiring to me, both for the space exhibition and Life Form.
Links to custom reproductions Steve has created because of his love of the work, with the skills to make beautiful copies, and to let more people enjoy these beautiful photographs and maps.
Life Form Exhibition
Life Form opened in the Main Gallery at Stephen Johnson Photography in July 2018. The show has been extended into 2021. We have had many visitors come by the gallery since the opening. Many have then joined workshops and certainly helped build community. Please come see the show, by appointment (masked), or after the virus. Pass the word.
Seeking Good Venues for Life Form
We are seeking good venues to show the Life Form Series. The series is now available for museum and gallery exhibition.
Life Form Announcement. 2018
Don't forget to Check out our next workshops
Next Virtual Workshop
Next Virtual Seminar
The Studio, Scholarships, Mentoring and Tutorials
As part of our ongoing commitment to photographic education, there is one student scholarship spot in many of our classes. Please pass the word along.
For discounted time studying with Steve, keep in mind our Mentoring Program.
With all of our busy schedules and limited budgets, destination workshops or classes become a challenge, but many of you still have questions you need answered, or feedback on some new work. We want to remind you of our Virtual Online Consulting Program. This service allows all of you out there around the globe to consult online live with Steve on technical, aesthetic and workflow issues using Skype and your webcam.
Our Essays and Tutorials from the past couple of years can now be found on our Newsletter Archive and some on my neglected Blog.
We hope you can come by the gallery after the virus and see the original prints in the new Life Form Gallery and its new Life Form Portfolio, the Exquisite Earth exhibition with its accompanying very special Exquisite Earth Portfolio 1. We invite you to join us on a workshop, rent lab space, or just say hello and let us know what you are up to photographically and what you might like to see us offer. We value your input.
Print Mentor Program
Many of my mentoring students have wanted help with their printing, often to make sure they can produce a specific print. Consequently, I am starting a Print Mentoring Program that sets up a 2 hour time slot and the production of a finished print, all with the tutorial video of how we did it together. Prints can be up to 16x20 and on either Hahnemühle Museum Etching or Photo Rag Pearl paper. Fee is $500. Email for more information and to set up times.
Free and For Sale
Free Stuff (a few items still left)
I have been printing out nice copies of the Constitution and Bill of Rights on rich cotton paper. You are welcome to a copy when you can come by the gallery.
Additionally, I rescued a few Beseler Enlargers, a 23c and 4x5, hoping to find good homes for them. Make an offer.
Equipment for Sale
Previously owned, but pristine, visually unused.
Canon Lenses
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lens $475
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens $425
Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens $625
New Space Photography Products
Apollo 11 Collectors Portfolio examples.
Apollo 11 Collectors Portfolio
A suite of photographs from Apollo 11 including twelve pigment inkjet prints on letter-sized paper selected, edited and printed by photographer Stephen Johnson, in a portfolio box. The set includes a Mission Summary book, original US Postal Stamp commemorating the Mission, the Mission patch and a schematic of the Lunar Module. $250
50 Years of Space Photography Exhibition Catalog
The Exhibtion catalog featuring photograhs from Planetary probes, the Hublle Space Telescope, Lunar explorations, the Apollo program and Space Shuttle/Space Station images. Includes an exploration of the imaging technologies emplyed by the spacecraft.
68 pages, 8.5x11 inches
Other Worldly Exhibition Catalog.
Apollo 11 Photography Book
A 96 page 8.5x11 inch collection of Apollo 11 photographs from launch to recovery including contact sheets for every surface Hasselblad photograph.
It’s the collection I wish I could have bought, so I made it.
-96 pages
-7 sections, Lunar Photo Equipment, Preparation, On the Way, Lunar Orbit, Tranquility Base, Heading Home, Relics
-Film Magazine proofs
Life Form Folio
The Life Form Folio
When we premiered the Life Form Exhibition, I wanted to have a collectible item and record of the show prior to the full book I plan. So, now available is the 36 page 11x17 wire bound book, 5 years of work from 2013 to 2018 exploring these magnificent lives.
Photographs from 2013-2018
36 pages
11x17 wire-bound book
$40
Exquisite Earth Exhibition Catalog
Page 41
page 13
The Exquisite Earth Exhibition Catalog
As I've been on a roll on fixing bodies of work into POD books, I decided before the Exquisite Earth show could come down for new upcoming show, I wanted to create a printed record. So, now available is the 56 page 11x17 wire bound book, 5 years of work from 2005 to 2010 traveling this wondrous planet.
Photographs from 2005-2010
56 pages
11x17 wire-bound book
$40
Pacifica Book
A collection of photographs in and around Pacifica California. Include a trail map.
74 pages
11x17 wire-bound book for full lay-flat opening and enjoyment
Pacifica Trail Map
32 years in Pacifica
10 years of calendars
$50
Page 7
Page 27
Pacifica Trail Map by Pease Maps special to the Pacifica Land Trust.
11" x 17" folded
$10 (free shipping) proceeds go the Pacifica Land Trust a non-profit 501c3.
Gift Certificates for Prints and Workshops!
Emailed or shipped with beautiful gift note card.
Life Form Note cards
5x7 inches (sold-out, on backorder)
$25
12 image Note card set with envelopes featuring photographs from Steve's new Life Form work.
Printed by Steve in his studio in very limited numbers on a color laser digital press
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After a few years of working intensely on my Urban Eden Golden Gate Park project, I am excited to offer a two-day photographic workshop in this complex and beautiful landscape. Now 150 years old, this park symbolizes parkland engineering and the earth itself taking its own course of life and fecundity. The park will be explored over two days with a blend of photographic opportunity, assistance, and my growing knowledge of its own back woods. This springtime weekday workshop will avoid some of the weekend crowds.